text: MIM signed the first ISASMELT licence agreement with Agip Australia Proprietary Limited ("Agip") in July 1990. Agip, a subsidiary of the Italian oil company ENI, was developing the Radio Hill nickel-copper deposit near Karratha in Western Australia. MIM and representatives of Agip conducted a series of trials in which 4 tonnes of Radio Hill concentrate was smelted in the 250 kg/h test rig at Mount Isa.
  The Agip ISASMELT plant was designed to treat 7.5 t/h of the Radio Hill concentrate and produce 1.5 t/h of granulated matte with a combined nickel and copper content of 45% for sale., It was the same size as the copper ISASMELT demonstration plant (2.3 m internal diameter) and had a 5.5 Nm3/s blower to provide the lance air. Commissioning of the plant began in September 1991; however, the Radio Hill mine and smelter complex were forced to close by low nickel prices after less than six months, before commissioning was completed. The ISASMELT furnace achieved its design capacity within three months. Subsequent owners of the mine focussed on mining and mineral processing only, and the ISASMELT plant has been dismantled.